Nevis

St Kitts And Nevis

Nevis Travel Information

The Basics

Time

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 60 Hz, but a 117-volt supply is available in most hotels. Round three-pin plugs and three-pin rectangular blade plugs (as in the UK) are in use.

Language

English is the official language.

Travel Health

No vaccinations are required for travel to the islands, but a
yellow fever certificate is required from visitors travelling from
a yellow fever infected country. Travellers should also consider
getting a vaccination for hepatitis A. Dengue fever is on the
increase, and precautions against mosquito bites should be taken.
Medical facilities are adequate, but limited, and health insurance
is essential, which should include emergency air evacuation. Most
doctors and hospitals expect cash payment.

Tipping

A 10 percent service charge is usually included in hotel and
restaurant bills, otherwise it is customary to leave 10 to 15
percent of the bill, depending on the service. Taxi drivers receive
10 to 15 percent of the fare.

Safety Information

Although most visits to the islands are trouble-free, visitors
should still guard against robbery and other crimes of opportunity.
Valuables should be left in hotel safes where possible and remote
places, particularly beaches, should be avoided, especially after
dark. Hurricane season normally runs from June to November.

Local Customs

Nudity is not allowed on beaches and beachwear should not be
worn in the towns or villages. It is an offence to wear camouflage
clothing. Homosexuality is illegal. The penalties for drug-related
offenses are severe.

Business

Business in St. Kitts and Nevis is conducted in a relatively
informal manner, but fairly formal dress is expected despite the
heat. Handshakes for both men and women are the common form of
greeting, and business cards should be exchanged immediately after
being introduced. Business hours are generally 8am to 4pm Monday to
Friday, with an hour taken at lunch.

Communications

The international dialling code for St Kitts and Nevis is +1
869. The outgoing code is 1 for the Caribbean, USA and Canada, and
011 for all other international destinations followed by the
relevant country code (e.g. 01127 for South Africa). City/area
codes are not in use. Internet services are widely available at
hotels and internet cafes. Cable and Wireless Caribbean Cellular
(St Kitts) Ltd (GSM 850/1900) and Wireless Ventures Ltd (GSM
900/1800) provide cellular phone service.

Duty Free

Travellers over the age of 18 may import 200 cigarettes or 50
cigars or 250g tobacco, and 1.5 litres of wine or spirits without
paying customs duty.

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